Burlington Township earns first win placing trust in All-South Jersey standout

Aiden Binns, pictured, ran for nearly 200 yards and two touchdowns in Burlington Township’s 28-0 win over Cherokee at Wilbur Watts Intermediate School in Burlington City, New Jersey on Friday, September 4, 2026. Kevin Emmons/South Jersey Sports Zone

BURLINGTON CITY — Burlington Township senior Aiden Binns decided to give his input on a play call on the sideline.

His coaches listened and he delivered.

Binns’ patience, vision and elusiveness paid dividends in the form of a 56-yard touchdown run.

It was his second of two touchdowns and served as an early knockout punch as the Falcons cruised to a 28-0 decision over Cherokee in a West Jersey Football League Colonial Division bout at Wilbur Watts Intermediate School on Friday.

“Coach (Stephen) Everette tells the coaches all week in practice, ‘if (No.) 21 sees something, let him do it,’” Binns said. “I was trying to tell the coaches if you go in trips, keep a tight end on the right side and it’s going to be a touchdown. I promised those guys.”

He kept his promise.

“I’m glad that they put trust in me like that,” Binns said.

The long run gave Burlington Township a 22-0 lead midway through the second quarter. Binns finished with 194 rushing yards.

The 2025 All-South Jersey pick wanted to change his jersey number to something other than No. 21 this season. Everette wouldn’t let him.

“He wanted to change his number this year,” Everette said. “I said no. It just has a ring to it when I say give the ball to 2-1. I said you can’t change your number. He’s one of the best players in the state. His vision is incredible. He runs a 4.5. He’s tough and as hard as nails.”

The Falcons’ defense forced four turnovers after allowing 49 points to Group 5 state championship contender Passaic Tech a week ago. With injuries during the contest, a pair of inexperienced linebackers were thrust into the action. With a week a preparation, the two were ready on Friday.

“Passaic is a very good team,” Everette said. “We had some injuries. Our two young linebackers were like deer in headlights. We had a whole week to practice. Our defensive coordinator does a fantastic job. He had our guys ready and put them in a position to make plays.”

Burlington Township limited Cherokee standout Brendan Markovsky to 48 yards on the ground. The Chiefs were also limited to 30 passing yards.

The win was a trip down memory lane for Everette. The last time the third-year Burlington Township coach faced Cherokee was as a player for Willingboro in 1987. The Chimeras upset the top-ranked Chiefs.

“We had a goal line stand,” Everette said. “Todd Lane played linebacker and ended up going to Rutgers. He made a helluva hit on the goal line and we won 27-21.”

Mekhi Curry caught two touchdown passes from Bryce Carter in the Falcons’ triumph. Carter was 8-for-20 passing with 139 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Curry finished with three catches for 97 yards.

Everette coached at Willingboro prior to his current tenure at Burlington Township. The Falcons will take the short trip down John F. Kennedy Way to visit the Chimeras at Carl Lewis Stadium next week.

His parents and brother still reside in Willingboro. It’s a homecoming Everette is looking forward to.

“It’s going to be fun,” he said. “The band is going to be playing. It’s high school football the way it should be. It’s going to feel funny being on the opposing sideline, but it is what it is. My parents are still there and I got a brother in Willingboro. Willingboro is always going to be home. We got to find a way to get us a win.”